A new contest launched by Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell in the 13th Council District will promote civic pride and water conservation during one of the worst droughts in recent history while beautifying the neighborhood through a community improvement initiative called Project Parkway.
Councilmember O’Farrell developed this initiative to encourage residents to become pro-active in community enhancement projects by making improvements on the parkways — or the strip of lawn in front of homes between the sidewalk and the curb.. Residents are encouraged to replace turf grass with California Friendly plants, mulch, and permeable pathways.
“Throughout my time in public service, I have been a firm believer that good government empowers people with the knowledge and tools they deserve to make a positive difference in their community,” said O’Farrell. “We are in a severe drought right now, and as we prepare to reduce our water usage even further in the coming months, now is a perfect time to educate ourselves on drought tolerant landscaping and the different ways to improve the look and feel of our neighborhoods.”
Residents with the best before-and-after pictures will be presented with a Project Parkway Certificate of Appreciation from the Office of Councilmember O’Farrell, and will be featured in their weekly newsletter and on the Councilmember’s website.
Project Parkway uses basic guidelines from the Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services (BSS) and the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP) that provide residents with a variety of drought-tolerant and native plants that will look great while conserving water and saving money.
Participants are encouraged to choose from a list of City approved plants and flowers that require no revocable permit. Residents may choose more elaborate designs, but a revocable permit from the BSS may be required. A complete list of suggested plants and flowers that are eligible for a rebate can be found on the LADWP website.
For more information, or to submit your before and after photos for Project Parkway, please contact Sylvan De La Cruz, Community Organizer for the Office of Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, at sylvan.delacruz@lacity.org or 213-207-3015.
